Castaway Cay: A information to Disney Cruise Line’s non-public island

Which cruise ships go there?

Ships visiting Castaway Cay on upcoming cruises embrace:

How do you get to and round Castaway Cay?

Castaway Cay was the primary cruise line non-public island to characteristic a pier the place ships can dock. One ship at a time can go to Castaway Cay, and passengers can stroll straight off the ship and onto the island.

It is a first rate stroll from the ship to the primary part of seaside. To accommodate all cruisers, Disney runs a tram from the top of the pier to stops by Scuttle’s Cove and Pelican Level, on both finish of the primary household seaside, and from the Pelican Level space to Serenity Bay.

Word that the Serenity Bay tram is separate from the primary tram between the ship and the primary seashores. A form driver saved me from moving into circles as a result of I believed the Serenity Bay tram would take me all the way in which again to the pier.

Paved paths all through the island will take you wherever you wish to go. I walked all the way in which to Serenity Bay down the bike path (which doubles as an air strip), and it is not a brief stroll. You possibly can take a detour to loop across the paved nature path that results in the remark tower.

Disney additionally offers seaside strollers and wheelchairs for passenger use.

What are the Castaway Cay seashores?

Castaway Cay’s most important strip of seaside is sheltered by a rocky breakwater, making the water calm and ideal for swimmers of all ages. The seaside is split into three sections: Boat Seaside, the place you will discover water sports activities leases, and two household seashores, together with a seaside space unique to cabana friends.

An adults-only seaside, Serenity Bay, is on the adjoining facet of the island, open to the ocean, and separate from the household seaside.

Castaway Cay’s three most important seashores are:

Castaway Cay household seashores

Castaway’s household seashores are divided by Pelican Level, a rocky breakwater, the place the Heads Up Bar sits. Each seashores have loungers, low-to-the-ground upright seaside chairs and seaside umbrellas which are free to make use of. Many adults like to pull the upright chairs all the way down to the water’s edge and dangle on the market, watching their children frolic within the waves.

Each seashores have lifeguards and racks of life jackets out there for visitor use.

The closest household seaside to the ship is close to the Scuttle’s Cove children space and tram cease. It has a swim-out floating ropes course. The farther seaside is nearer to the Pelican Level tram cease. Its spotlight is the Pelican Plunge floating water play space, with a splash space and dump bucket, water cannons and two slides (a tube slide and an open slide).

Strains can get lengthy for the slide, and smaller sliders have to put on life jackets. The tube slide is way quicker and shorter than the open slide. Be able to get water up your nostril, as it is a drop from the top of the slide into the water.

For your best option of lounge area, you will wish to get off the ship early and trek to the farther ends of the seaside. It was laborious to search out out there chairs once we moved mid-afternoon from one facet of the household seaside to the opposite to make use of the slides.

The farthest finish of the seaside is lined with cabanas and reserved for cabana friends.

Boat Seaside

The primary seaside you come to in your approach from the ship is Boat Seaside. That is the place you will discover all of the bigger water sports activities gear out there to hire, reminiscent of water bikes and kayaks. (A separate shack rents out snorkel gear).

Nobody sunbathes on Boat Seaside.

Serenity Bay

The adults-only Serenity Bay is unique to cruisers ages 18+. The seaside is on the opposite facet of the island from the household seashores and a protracted trek (or tram trip) from the Pelican Level space.

The seaside itself has the identical lounge chairs, low upright chairs and umbrellas as the opposite Castaway Cay seashores. There are cabanas for hire right here, too; they lurk behind the primary seaside and share the sand and sea with common friends.

As a result of Serenity Bay is a protracted haul from the Pelican Level tram cease space, it has its personal amenities: barbecue pavilion, loos, bar, float rental and therapeutic massage hut.

I visited Serenity Bay at lunchtime, and the seaside was not crowded in any respect. Loads of loungers have been unclaimed — possible as a result of nearly all of Disney cruisers have been spending time collectively as households. Additionally, the water was not as clear or calm on this seaside as a result of it doesn’t have a breakwater to guard it from the waves, so some adults would possibly choose the household seaside space for swimming.

What are the perfect Castaway Cay issues to do?

Splashing and sunbathing are usually not practically the one issues to do at Castaway Cay. Its small developed space has quite a bit happening, each on land and within the lagoon.

Designated areas on either side of the household seashores are reserved for snorkeling. The principle snorkeling lagoon is between Boat Seaside and the household seaside, conveniently positioned by Gil’s Fins and Boats, which dispenses snorkel gear, in addition to tubes and floats for hire. Rumor has it that you will discover a shipwreck and even some hidden Mickeys, in addition to attention-grabbing sea creatures.

You can even decide up snorkels, floats and tubes at Flippers and Floats (positioned between the 2 halves of the household seaside) and The Windsock Hut at Serenity Bay (float leases solely). In the event you hire an inside tube, do not let it out of your grasp. I noticed a number of of those floating out previous the ropes marking the top of the swimming space. The crew should have to come back out on boats on the finish of the day to spherical all of them up!

The floating ropes course and Pelican Plunge water slides are additionally enjoyable diversions for households and provides you one thing to do apart from swimming that does not contain spending cash.

Scuttle’s Cove is the beachside extension of the shipboard Oceaneer Membership. Mother and father and caregivers can drop off their youthful youngsters to play within the sand below youth workers supervision with the intention to snag a while at Serenity Bay or within the snorkel lagoon. As with the onboard children membership, the service is complimentary.

Scuttle’s Cove embrace the Monstro Level whale dig web site (the place children can play archeologist and dig within the sand for bones), a small splash pad and an space for sand video games.

Between the Scuttle’s Cove and Pelican Level tram stops, In-Da-Shade Video games provides basketball, ping pong, billiards, large checkers, foosball and desk video games in an open-air wood pavilion.

Over by the Pelican Level space, a seaside sports activities space provides tetherball, volleyball and soccer, and the Spring-A-Leak moist play space is enjoyable for littles who wish to get moist with out the waves. A motorbike rental station rents bikes for youths and grownups; I did not see trail-a-bikes, however they did have grownup bikes with baby seats on the again. One-hour bike leases value $15 (for ages 3+).

The complete bike path, from the rental space to Serenity Bay and across the loop to the remark tower is 1.5 miles. In the event you choose to run, doing the path out to the grownup seaside and again once more (together with a second tower loop) is 3 miles or 5K.

Disney used to host an official race referred to as the Castaway Cay 5K. Presently, it is not provided as a bunch exercise, however you are able to do it by yourself, in your honor, and decide up a medal again on the bike rental sales space. In the event you’re not racing, the remark tower is a pleasant cease for views of the island.

A number of water stations are set out alongside the race course.

Teenagers have their very own secret hangout referred to as The Hideout, tucked away behind the seaside sports activities and bike rental space.

Adults can e-book 50-minute solo or {couples}’ massages on the therapeutic massage cabana on the adults seaside.

In the event you’re excited by water sports activities, Disney provides a collection of leases on Boat Seaside.

Leases embrace:

• AquaTrike, $30 for half-hour
• Chiliboats Waterbikes, $30 for half-hour (ages 14+)
• Float or tube, $15 for the day
• Paddle boat, $20 for half-hour for 2-seater boats or $25 for a 4-seater
• Sea kayak, $20 for half-hour on a single kayak (ages 14-plus) or $25 for a double kayak
• Snorkel gear, $22 (ages 5 to 9) or $38 (ages 10-plus) for the day
• Stand-up paddle board, $20 for half-hour (ages 14-plus)

The shore excursions desk assured me that it is easy to hire water sports activities gear on the island should you’re undecided you wish to commit upfront.

In the event you’re an energetic household, take into account the Castaway Cay Getaway Bundle. The three-in-one rental package deal contains snorkel gear and a float or inner-tube for the day, plus a one-hour bicycle rental. The package deal is valued at $52 for little children or $68 for anybody ages 10 and up, however prices $30 or $50, respectively, saving you $18 to $22.

The Castaway Cay Getaway Bundle is barely out there for reserving on-line pre-cruise or aboard the ship; you can not e-book it as soon as on the island.

Can I meet Disney characters on Castaway Cay?

A favourite Disney cruise pastime is assembly Mickey Mouse and buddies, princesses, superheroes and pirates, and you’ve got these alternatives on Castaway Cay. The island has quite a few spots arrange for pictures, and all through the day, numerous characters will make an look of their beachwear to pose for pictures. On my cruise these included Mickey Mouse, Donald Duck and Captain Jack Sparrow.

Verify your Navigator app to search out out which character can be at which station at what time. The submit workplace, Marge’s Barges, Mt. Rustmore and the seaside throughout from Scuttle’s Cove are standard photograph spots for the characters. In order for you the seaside spots, plan to line up and get your pictures early earlier than your loved ones will get all moist and sandy.

What are the excursions at Castaway Cay?

In the event you’re in search of somewhat greater than only a seaside day, you may e-book a handful of Castaway Cay excursions. The out there excursions are predominantly guided water-based actions happening in or across the island’s waters.

On my cruise, the next excursions have been out there:

• Banana boat trip, $45 for half-hour (ages 10-plus) or $39 (ages 8 to 9)
• Castaway Cay Fishing Journey, $219 for a 3-hour tour (ages 8-plus)
• Castaway Ray’s Stingray Journey, $59 for a 1-hour tour ($48 for ages 5 to 9)
• Castaway Snorkel By Boat Journey, $95 for a 3-hour tour ($79 for ages 6 to 9)
• Glass Backside Boat Scenic Voyage, $59 for a 1-hour tour ($39 for youths below age 9)
• Parasailing, $140 for 1 hour (ages 8-plus)
• Strolling and Kayak Nature Journey, $73 for 3.5 hours (age 10-plus)

As well as, the Excessive Getaway Bundle combines a one-hour stingray journey with snorkel gear, bicycle and float or inner-tube leases. The associated fee is $95 for youths and adults ages 10 and up or $73 for youths ages 5 to 9.

Most of the boat-based excursions (reminiscent of parasailing and fishing journeys) depart from the Marge’s Barges and Sea Charters dock on the finish of the cruise pier. The stingray journey meets on the Castaway Ray’s Stingray Journey hut on the finish of Boat Seaside farthest from the ship; the protected stingray lagoon is simply offshore.

Does Castaway Cay provide cabanas to hire?

Sure, Castaway Cay cabanas can be found to hire each on the household seaside and at Serenity Bay. From what I noticed, the household seaside cabanas might be a good way to have a extra stress-free, much less crowded expertise on Castaway Cay. The Serenity Bay cabanas appeared much less of an improve, on condition that the seaside was empty and all of the companies are so shut.

Household Seaside cabanas

Castaway Cay provides 20 cabanas on the farthest finish of the household seashores, simply across the nook from Serenity Bay. The cabanas line a stretch of seaside that’s roped off, so common cruisers can not go there. They’re numbered 1 to 21 as there is no such thing as a cabana #13.

The 325-square-foot cabanas are tucked away below the palm timber. They’re outfitted with indoor seating, a ceiling fan, drinks fridge, secure, plush towels and cooling face cloths, magazines to learn and complimentary sunscreen. Moveable cribs can be found on request for friends with infants.

Contemporary fruit and lightweight snacks are offered, as are limitless soda and bottled water. Servers will come round to take alcoholic drink orders. You possibly can press a button in your cabana to name them should you do not see anybody and wish to order a drink or get your soda, water or snacks restocked.

Outdoors the cabana, friends have entry to lounge chairs, a hammock and a freshwater bathe. The cabana rental comes with entry to snorkel gear, sand toys and floats or inside tubes, plus a one-hour bike rental.

Cabanas are equivalent with two exceptions. Cabana #16 is wheelchair accessible; it can’t be booked on-line. Cabana #21 is known as the Grand Household Cabana, and it is outsized at 650 sq. ft.

On my cruise, cabanas value $797.50 for an eight-hour rental for as much as six individuals. You might add as much as 4 extra individuals, for a complete of 10, for $56 further per individual. For teams bigger than six individuals, youngsters below 3 are usually not charged; nevertheless, they rely towards the utmost variety of individuals allowed on the rental.

The Grand Household Cabana value $1,127.50 for as much as 10 individuals and will accommodate as much as 16, with every further visitor charged $56 per individual.

Serenity Bay cabanas

The six Serenity Bay cabanas are solely out there to friends ages 18 and up. They’re numbered 22 by 27 and are positioned behind the adults-only seaside and its rows of lounge chairs.

The cabanas are the identical measurement and include practically the identical inclusions because the household seaside cabanas. The distinction is that snorkel gear just isn’t offered as a result of there is no such thing as a snorkeling lagoon at Serenity Bay.

Regardless of being the identical measurement, Serenity Bay cabanas are priced for simply 4 friends at $493.90 for the day; further friends as much as 10 whole pays $56 every over the bottom charge.

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Is meals included on  Castaway Cay?

Sure, a number of venues serve a complimentary barbecue lunch on Castaway Cay. The principle venues are Cookie’s BBQ and Cookie’s Too BBQ, however a small lunch buffet can also be out there by the Serenity Bay tram cease so adults on that seaside do not must trek again to the Pelican Level space to eat.

All three venues serve the identical meals, buffet fashion, in open-sided pavilions with out of doors picnic tables, some shaded, for consuming. Lunch is often served from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.

The principle occasion is all types of grilled meat: burgers and sizzling canine, Cajun-spiced hen, salmon and barbecue brisket and pork. Vegetarian chili and veggie burgers are additionally out there (the latter on request).

Sides embrace cole slaw, potato salad, corn and bean salad, macaroni salad, chips, corn on the cob and corn bread. Dessert choices embrace quite a lot of fruit, superb chocolate chip cookies, chocolate and strawberry-cheesecake mini desserts and soft-serve ice cream. Professional tip: Take the cookies to the soft-serve machine to create a DIY ice cream sandwich.

Self-serve smooth drink machines dispense complimentary soda, water, sports activities drinks, iced tea and lemonade.

Strains can get lengthy, so plan accordingly, particularly if in case you have sizzling and hungry little ones in tow.

Are there bars on Castaway Cay?

The Conched Out Bar and Sand Bar are the primary beachside bars alongside the household seaside, serving beer, cocktails and frozen drinks. The Heads Up Bar serves the identical, however is positioned atop Pelican Level, the rocky breakwater between the 2 halves of the household seaside. Its patio is often the setting for on-island weddings.

You can even discover stands promoting smoothies and drinks outdoors the lunch pavilions. I noticed many cruisers carrying drinks in memento coconut-shaped cups.

Proper by the Pelican Level tram cease, Summertime Freeze serves up smoothies and alcoholic frozen drinks in “Frozen”-themed memento cups.

Out at Serenity Bay, the Castaway Air Bar, housed in what appears to be an airplane hangar, retains adults refreshed all through their seaside day. It is acquired a wood deck with comfy seating for anybody who needs to chill with a drink with out getting sandy.

Is there procuring on Castway Cay?

Castaway Cay has a number of outlets promoting all the pieces from Castaway Cay unique Disney merchandise, native Bahamian crafts and souvenirs and seaside objects you might need forgotten (hats, sunscreen, sun shades, sand toys, and many others.).

She Sells Sea Shells and Every part Else by the Scuttle’s Cove tram cease and Purchase the Seashore by Pelican Level are your go-tos for Disney merch and sundries. Halfway between the 2 are a few Bahamian stores grouped collectively.

The one accepted methodology of fee is your Key to the World cruise ship card, even within the Bahamian-run outlets.

In the event you’re a Disney fan hoping to purchase some swag not discovered wherever else, you will be pleased searching the Castaway Cay outlets. Costs on seaside objects, nevertheless, are extremely marked up, so should you neglect to convey toys or a hat, attempt to decide them up at an earlier port or go with out.